Meet Our 2022 Leadership & Board

Together, let’s build a COMMUNITY of leaders where we we can learn, grow, and feel empowered to achieve our goals and make change!

Jenny has held a variety of roles within NAAAP, including Vice President of Internal Affairs and Director of Social Media & Public Relations for NAAAP DC, Volunteer Coordinator for NLA, and Registration & Career Fair Director for the Leadership Convention.

She is the Vice President of the National Organization for Vietnamese American Leadership where she founded a mentorship program for Vietnamese college students. She is also on the Event Execution Committee of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and is a volunteer for Girls on the Run. Jenny received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Wichita State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Development Studies at George Washington University.

She enjoys volunteering, traveling, trying new foods, playing video games, and watching and playing sports.

Aileene is an Organizational Change Management Professional certified in ProSci and Project Management (PMP). Born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S., Aileene is a first-generation professional working in the government sector providing consultation services.

Even if you only change one life, you have forever impacted the world.

Sheila Tria is the Vice President of External Affairs for NAAP DC. In this role, Sheila will be responsible for identifying potential community partners and other non-profits with whom to partner and collaborate, as well as serving as a chapter representative. She will also be responsible for managing and overseeing the organization’s and community’s outreach and DEI initiatives.

In her day job, Sheila is a certified Professional Human Resources (HR) leader. For more info connect with her at LinkedIn.

Outside of work, Sheila enjoys volunteering through mentoring & career coaching and advocating for underserved communities. When she is not working or volunteering. Sheila enjoys traveling, the performing arts, and teaching yoga.

Here to answer any and all of your questions regarding how I can help your growth and leadership journey.

Drishti Wadhwa is a Product Marketing Manager at Apprentice. She has her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from UT Austin and is working n her master’s degree from Georgetown University. She’s involved in the Junior League and runs her own business, Boutique Memories, on Etsy in her free time. She’s an ENFJ and an enneagram 8.

It is my hope that NAAAP helps you to grow as a person and as a leader!

“Your mind is infinite, it’s your doubts that are limiting.” – Robert Kiyosaki.

This powerful quote summarizes Holly B. Thompson’s philosophy in all areas of life. As a person, an administrative professional at Johns Hopkins University, a real estate investor, a tax professional, a landlord, and in all other ventures of her life- Holly remains grounded in this quote.

Now as she enters her new role as the Director of Professional Development at the National Association of Asian American Professionals, DC (NAAAP DC), she seeks to help others leave their doubts behind and realize their potential.

Champion of Diversity. A servant leader with a people-first focus.

Born in the Philippines, the second of 2 boys, to an American sailor (father) and a native Filipina (mom), the family pursued a new life collectively in the United States first settling in his father’s hometown of Philadelphia, PA.

Chris spent his formative years growing up in Miami, FL. where he ran track and played football in high school before pursing a degree in Apparel Design and Technology at Florida State University.

Professionally working in fashion industry for close to 2 decades, Chris’ experience is primarily on the human resource, diversity, equity, inclusion, and work place culture front.
In addition to his professional endeavors Chris enjoys being involved in the community through volunteer efforts that connect citizens, business, and government under the mantra: Community. Culture. Commerce.

He is a community builder, architect of workplace culture, and civically engaged.

Hello and welcome to the NAAAP DC community!

Ashley Kim’s goal is to empower female leaders within NAAAP DC and the Asian community to succeed professionally and personally.

Ashley currently works at MMS, a strategic financial services firm. She previously worked as a consultant at JLL providing portfolio and asset management services for federal sector clients. Outside of work, she is actively involved as an advisor and board member for education and music nonprofit organizations.

Ashley graduated with an A.B. in Politics from Princeton University. She also studied at the Juilliard School as a competitive violinist. She enjoys film, coffee, golf, and traveling.

Find support of all kinds, sense of community and professional development advice all in one place here with us!

Susie is an International Economist at the US Department of Treasury and is a graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Previous to her time in DC, she was raised in South Florida and attended the University of Florida where she studied Linguistics.

She is familiar with navigating the professional sphere as a first generation college graduate in her family and the challenges that come with it. Given this personal background and her motivation to see more AAPI representation and leadership in the workplace, she’s excited to be a part of NAAAP DC as Corporate Relations Director.

She has never become quite Washingtonian enough to start running but in her spare time, you can catch her Zouk dancing or reading instead.

I am super excited to be back with NAAAP DC. I am looking forward to helping make 2022 a memorable year for NAAAP!

I’m looking forward to expanding our outreach to Asian American LGBTQ+ folk. Welcome!

Shezaz grew up in Texas where he attended the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating, he began his career in consulting with Accenture in Houston, before relocating to DC during the pandemic. This is his first year with NAAAP DC and he is looking forward to building community in the DC area. As one of NAAAP DC’s Pride Co-Directors, Shezaz is excited to grow as a leader and advocate for the queer community.

I can’t wait to see you at our next event and support you on your professional journey!

Beanca Thai is a recently seperated Army Officer who is beginning her career in public service. She’s currently attending Johns Hopkins University, to get her Masters in Public Management. SHe also serves in the Army Reserves as a Civil Affairs Officer. Prior to that, she attended school at Eastern Washington University to get a BA in Women and Gender Studies. She’s passionate about empowering future generations.